Celebrities Who Own Restaurants

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While a lot of celebrities try to open their own
restaurants, few make it past the one year mark. Since the restaurant business
can be as fickle as fashion, not even big names like Britney Spears (Nyla) and
Jennifer Lopez (Madre’s) are guaranteed long term success.

Check out a few celebrities who own restaurants that are
actually profitable, and find out more about their establishments from all over
the US and even from Dubai.

Paul, Donnie and Mark
Wahlberg – Wahlburgers

Located in Boston, Wahlburgers doesn’t get the best Yelp
reviews, but few establishments have their own reality show. The gourmet burger
restaurant run by chef Paul Wahlberg wouldn’t have been possible without brothers
Donnie and Mark Wahlberg investing in it.

The TV exposure certainly helped
Wahlburgers, since the brothers are opening another venue in Boston and even
expanding to Canada.

Jay Z – 40/40

Mixing the concept of a high-end sports bar with a nightclub
and a restaurant, Jay Z became one of the most successful celebrities who own
restaurants with 40/40. The New York establishment isn’t exactly known for 5
star cuisine, but it’s certainly a profitable hot spot. The menu includes
everything from Buffalo wings to turkey sliders and other sports bar cuisine
staples.

Ryan Gosling – Tagine

Few celebrities who own restaurants manage to find long-term
success in Beverly Hills, but Ryan Gosling seems to have pulled it off with
Tagine, a restaurant that serves modern Moroccan cuisine. Going for a warm and
inviting atmosphere, complete with a jazz soundtrack and candles, the
establishment continues to be a hit.

Justin Timberlake –
Destino and Southern Hospitality

Proving that making it in Los Angeles in the restaurant
business is very difficult, Justin Timberlake failed with Chi, his first try,
in West Hollywood. However, the singer has two successful restaurants in New
York, one focused on Southern food and one catering to lovers of Italian food.

Peyton Manning – Papa
John’s

More and more celebrities who own restaurants get into the
franchise business, but few have been as successful as Peyton Manning. The
Denver Broncos quarterback bought 21 Papa John’s franchises in the Denver area
and introduced special discounts based on his team’s results. Sales went up and
Manning turned a profit much easier that by investing in his own restaurant
concept.

Ashton Kutcher – Dolce
Enoteca e Ristorante and Ketchup

After investing in The Dolce Group, Ashton Kutcher had a
part in opening many restaurants, including Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante in
Atlanta and Geisha House. The newest restaurant opened by the group is in
Dubai. Called “Ketchup”, the diner delivers on upscale American cuisine for
both tourists and locals.

Bon Jovi – Soul
Kitchen

Unlike most celebrities who own restaurants, Bon Jovi set up
a non-profit eatery in New Jersey. Opened in 2011, Soul Kitchen is a “pay what
you can” establishment, where diners can either make donations or volunteer in
order to pay for their meals. With its own vegetable garden, Soul Kitchen
delivers on the quality of food, and it doesn’t lag behind regular restaurants
in the decor department either.

Robert De Niro – Nobu

One of the most successful restaurants owned by celebrities,
New York’s Nobu has been on the map since 1994, when Robert De Niro partnered
up with chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. Located in Tribeca and serving modern Japanese
cuisine, Nobu has even been awarded a Michelin star, a very rare honor for
celebrity owned restaurants.

Michael Jordan – Steak
House

Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. has been around
since 1998 and earned praise from many food critics. When it comes to celebrities
who own restaurants, Michael Jordan’s New York establishment truly delivers.